BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="andrew147" data-source="post: 2193725" data-attributes="member: 10787">I'm sad that this very important debate has apparently, once again, been reduced to academic arrogance and name calling. The opinions expressed here are neither 'pathetic' or 'completely ridiculous', but both sides seem to need help to understand the other's point of view. For what it's worth, my opinion is that the knowledge gained does not justify the continued practice of specimen collection in 2011, and few things dismay me more than ornithologists armed with killing equipment or thousands of dead birds in museum drawers. I think that scientific practice ought to be as unobtrusive as possible. I also think that, beyond the confines of this debate, the fact that the only way some ornithologists seem to be able to express their joy and wonder at the discovery of a new species is by killing the first individuals they encounter, is a statement in itself on the limitations of our species to evolve and progress. These are my opinions, and they are both valid and qualified. However, I am interested to here the opinions of people who disagree with me. If we can talk to each other civilly, without resorting to name calling, then perhaps both sides can gain insight and understanding instead of further polarising the discussion.</blockquote>